My Outdoor TV (MOTV) screens shows based around hunting, with some of the programmes documenting big game hunters in Africa.

Former England cricket captain Pietersen, who helps raise awareness about the illegal poaching of rhinos in South Africa, is leading the condemnation.

‘I find it sickening that anyone could want to endanger these animals whatsoever, but for someone to turn it into a TV show for entertainment absolutely boils my blood,’ he told The Independent.

Batsman Kevin Pietersen is unimpressed (Getty)

‘The guy, and those who contribute and support those practices, are scum.

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‘Enough is enough. These stunning animals are being slaughtered to the point of extinction and for anyone to celebrate it is absolutely repugnant.

‘I’ve had so many messages from Arsenal fans telling me they hate him as much as anyone, so if that’s the case, he has to be driven out. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t want this person representing something I love.’

The channel includes shows which show the hunting of lions and other big game animals (Getty)

Pietersen has been joined by other famous names who have taken offence at the launch of the channel, which includes one programme in which animals are depicting being shot and killed with a bow and arrow.

Rachael Riley, Robert Peston and Greg Rutherford has expressed their views on Twitter.

MOTV spokesman Simon Barr said of the channel: ‘MOTV will present ethical, fair chase hunting and as long as it’s legal it will be on there. If you like hunting elephants, there will be legal elephant hunts, ethical elephant hunts, shown in that context.’

Kroenke owns 67% of Arsenal’s shares. The club have made no comment on the channel.